Apple Hires Artificial Intelligence Experts to Up Siri’s Game

As Apple closes in on the much talked about launch on the 9th of September, the company is already busy searching for artificial-intelligence experts to help improve Siri’s functionality that has become stale in comparison to Google Now and Microsoft’s Cortana. Both competitors believe that the customers want an AI system that provides information catered specifically to their time and location, something Siri has failed to deliver.

To up their game, Apple has decided to hire at least 86 AI experts to work on machine learning alone, as well as employees with doctorates specializing in AI. According to a report by Reuters, the company’s user privacy that limits the amount of data sent from the iPhone to the servers, which makes it a challenge to improve Siri’s AI.

“As part of its push, the company is currently trying to hire at least 86 more employees with expertise in the branch of artificial intelligence known as machine learning, according to a recent analysis of Apple job postings. The company has also stepped up its courtship of machine-learning PhD’s, joining Google, Amazon, Facebook and others in a fierce contest, leading academics say.” – Reuters

The major problems for Siri, at the moment, are that it is lacking in both personal touch and information. Responses provided by Siri are far too rigid, allowing for only a simple user-requested reply. Limited data to the servers mean a limited knowledge of individual users and tastes. While trying to maintain the same level of user privacy, Apple Inc. is looking for solutions that will go around it and still deliver a smarter, personal Siri.

In the upcoming launch on the 9th of September, Apple hopes to bring a faster, smarter version of Siri with its iOS 9 upgrade, which will provide users with information based on time and location using a feature called Proactive. Commenting on the iOS 9, Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of software engineer said that it was “adding intelligence throughout the user experience in a way that enhances how you use your device but without compromising your privacy.” Though one may have to wait for the iPhone 7 (expected next year) for a fully improved Siri, the Apple has been teasing with a number of coy and witty replies when asked “Hey Siri, give us a hint” as part of Apple’s invites for the launch on the 9th of September.